Nottingham travel guide
Nottingham Tourism | Nottingham Guide
You're Going to Love Nottingham
Nottingham has a rich history and plenty of local culture. One of its claims to fame is Sherwood Forest, home to the mythical Robin Hood and his band of merry men. Take a stroll along the Council House, embark on a tour of Castle Rock Brewery, or survey the city from the picturesque Trent Bridge.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Nottingham
1. Hidden Gems
Stop by vintage store We Are Cow, before heading to Malt Cross, a recently restored 19th-century music hall that connects to the Nottingham Cave Trail.
2. Historic Architecture
Make sure to visit the beautiful Wollaton Hall and Park, dating back to the 1500s and home to the city's Natural History Museum.
3. Great Local Eats
Check out Oaks, which serves up wood-fired giant sausages and a hearty helping of fries and 'slaw. Or, try the meter-long pizza at Das Kino, a German-themed bar with a cinema and table tennis.
4. Secret Walkways
Besides the city's medieval caves, stop by the famous Nottingham Castle for more underground adventure. Here sits Mortimer's Hole, a secret passageway below the castle.
5. A Bustling Creative Quarter
Don't miss the colorful Cobden Chambers or the new National Videogame Arcade, the world's first permanent space to celebrate gaming culture and mark its development.
What to do in Nottingham
1. Nottingham Castle: Uncover Nottingham's History
Located in the heart of Nottingham, the Nottingham castle sits majestically on a rock 130 feet high to the south and west. Enjoy spectacular views of the city as well as the notable statue of Robin Hood and his merry men. Admire the finest collections of regimental uniforms and medals at the Sherwood Foresters Regimental Museum. Gaze at the finest in art collections, from medieval to European, at the Nottingham Castle Museum, also housed in the castle. Explore the maze of human-made caves underneath the castle and uncover the gruesome tales of this historic site.
2. City of Caves: Set Back The Hands Of Time
Enter into a whole new world underneath the buzzing city's activities and delve into the dark depths of the over 500 crisscrossing sandstone caves. Enjoy exceptional performance tours with an amusing cast, Annie the Arcgeologist and Archie. Turn back the hands of time to World War II as you journey through the Anderson air Raid shelter with an excellent audio tour. Start off this fantastic exploration from the upper level of the Broadmarsh Shopping Center and begin an exclusive archaeological journey.
3. Old Market Square: The All-In-One Social Hub
Visit the largest public square in the United Kingdom, an astounding 800 years old. Play in the minimalist fountains and marvel at the impressive 22,000 m² space before heading to explore the Nottingham Tourism Center. Stroll at your own pace through the eastern square to the Neoclassical Council House. Make a stop at the Playhouse and get entertained by the Sky Mirror. Stop by the Nando's for spicy Afro-Portuguese chicken after making a stop at the Broadmarsh Shopping Center. Sip on a relaxing brew at the Bell Inn after a well spent day at the Old Market Square.
4. Nottingham Cathedral: Nottingham's Best-Kept Secret
Located on the corner of Dreby Road and North Circus Street, the Nottingham Cathedral prides itself as being the best-kept secret of the forty-two English cathedrals. Visit this famed Nottingham landmark that is an epitome of history and walk into the Stone-built Victorian Gothic cathedral. Sit and meditate in the serene sanctuary. Be part of the live choirs, concerts, and events hosted at the cathedral. The Nottingham Cathedral is open from 7 am to 7 pm.
5. Wollaton Park: An Unmatched Relaxation Experience
Stretching out in a vast 500 acres, this remarkable landmark is nestled on a magnificent hill in a tranquil ambiance. Stroll at your own pace from the walking trails and marvel at the vast variety of flowers and the charming beauty of the deer running around gracefully. Make a stop by The Cods Scallops for a wide selection of delicious fish and chips.
1. Nottingham Castle: Uncover Nottingham's History
Located in the heart of Nottingham, the Nottingham castle sits majestically on a rock 130 feet high to the south and west. Enjoy spectacular views of the city as well as the notable statue of Robin Hood and his merry men. Admire the finest collections of regimental uniforms and medals at the Sherwood Foresters Regimental Museum. Gaze at the finest in art collections, from medieval to European, at the Nottingham Castle Museum, also housed in the castle. Explore the maze of human-made caves underneath the castle and uncover the gruesome tales of this historic site.
2. City of Caves: Set Back The Hands Of Time
Enter into a whole new world underneath the buzzing city's activities and delve into the dark depths of the over 500 crisscrossing sandstone caves. Enjoy exceptional performance tours with an amusing cast, Annie the Arcgeologist and Archie. Turn back the hands of time to World War II as you journey through the Anderson air Raid shelter with an excellent audio tour. Start off this fantastic exploration from the upper level of the Broadmarsh Shopping Center and begin an exclusive archaeological journey.
3. Old Market Square: The All-In-One Social Hub
Visit the largest public square in the United Kingdom, an astounding 800 years old. Play in the minimalist fountains and marvel at the impressive 22,000 m² space before heading to explore the Nottingham Tourism Center. Stroll at your own pace through the eastern square to the Neoclassical Council House. Make a stop at the Playhouse and get entertained by the Sky Mirror. Stop by the Nando's for spicy Afro-Portuguese chicken after making a stop at the Broadmarsh Shopping Center. Sip on a relaxing brew at the Bell Inn after a well spent day at the Old Market Square.
4. Nottingham Cathedral: Nottingham's Best-Kept Secret
Located on the corner of Dreby Road and North Circus Street, the Nottingham Cathedral prides itself as being the best-kept secret of the forty-two English cathedrals. Visit this famed Nottingham landmark that is an epitome of history and walk into the Stone-built Victorian Gothic cathedral. Sit and meditate in the serene sanctuary. Be part of the live choirs, concerts, and events hosted at the cathedral. The Nottingham Cathedral is open from 7 am to 7 pm.
5. Wollaton Park: An Unmatched Relaxation Experience
Stretching out in a vast 500 acres, this remarkable landmark is nestled on a magnificent hill in a tranquil ambiance. Stroll at your own pace from the walking trails and marvel at the vast variety of flowers and the charming beauty of the deer running around gracefully. Make a stop by The Cods Scallops for a wide selection of delicious fish and chips.
1. Nottingham Castle: Uncover Nottingham's History
Located in the heart of Nottingham, the Nottingham castle sits majestically on a rock 130 feet high to the south and west. Enjoy spectacular views of the city as well as the notable statue of Robin Hood and his merry men. Admire the finest collections of regimental uniforms and medals at the Sherwood Foresters Regimental Museum. Gaze at the finest in art collections, from medieval to European, at the Nottingham Castle Museum, also housed in the castle. Explore the maze of human-made caves underneath the castle and uncover the gruesome tales of this historic site.
2. City of Caves: Set Back The Hands Of Time
Enter into a whole new world underneath the buzzing city's activities and delve into the dark depths of the over 500 crisscrossing sandstone caves. Enjoy exceptional performance tours with an amusing cast, Annie the Arcgeologist and Archie. Turn back the hands of time to World War II as you journey through the Anderson air Raid shelter with an excellent audio tour. Start off this fantastic exploration from the upper level of the Broadmarsh Shopping Center and begin an exclusive archaeological journey.
3. Old Market Square: The All-In-One Social Hub
Visit the largest public square in the United Kingdom, an astounding 800 years old. Play in the minimalist fountains and marvel at the impressive 22,000 m² space before heading to explore the Nottingham Tourism Center. Stroll at your own pace through the eastern square to the Neoclassical Council House. Make a stop at the Playhouse and get entertained by the Sky Mirror. Stop by the Nando's for spicy Afro-Portuguese chicken after making a stop at the Broadmarsh Shopping Center. Sip on a relaxing brew at the Bell Inn after a well spent day at the Old Market Square.
4. Nottingham Cathedral: Nottingham's Best-Kept Secret
Located on the corner of Dreby Road and North Circus Street, the Nottingham Cathedral prides itself as being the best-kept secret of the forty-two English cathedrals. Visit this famed Nottingham landmark that is an epitome of history and walk into the Stone-built Victorian Gothic cathedral. Sit and meditate in the serene sanctuary. Be part of the live choirs, concerts, and events hosted at the cathedral. The Nottingham Cathedral is open from 7 am to 7 pm.
Where to Eat in Nottingham
Check out the Alley Cafe for vegetarian and vegan meals between £4 and £10. You'll also enjoy a taste of Thai cooking at Chai Yo for around £25 for two people.
When to visit Nottingham
July is the hottest month and January is the coldest. The wettest month is June, so make sure to bring waterproof coats and hats. Overall, the moderate climate allows for travel year round.
How to Get to Nottingham
Plane
Both domestic and international flights land at the East Midlands Airport (EMA), 10.5 miles from the city center. The 24-hour Nottingham Skylink bus service leaves for the city every 20 minutes. A single ticket costs £5.
Train
Trains to Nottingham arrive at Nottingham Station. From here, it's a 5-minute walk to the city center.
Car
If you're coming from the south, take the M1 and exit at 24. If you're coming from the north, take the M1 and exit at 25 or 26.
Bus
GorillaBus runs services into town from Liverpool, Manchester, Yorkshire, and Birmingham. Ticket prices start at £1.
Airlines serving Nottingham
Where to stay in Nottingham
Lenton - close to the university, check out this great neighborhood for a youthful and student-centric vibe.
Popular Neighborhoods in Nottingham
Hockley - this area is home to a range of trendy stores and pubs like Revolution and the Orange Tree on Shakespeare Street
Willford Village - this is a charming neighborhood with a view of the River Trent and lots of restaurants like the Ferry Inn, with local English fare.
Where to stay in popular areas of Nottingham
Most booked hotels in Nottingham
How to Get Around Nottingham
Public Transportation
A reliable bus network zips people around town. Fares for public transport run between £2 - £4.50.
Taxi
Nottingham is serviced by local black and green cabs that can be hailed around the city at any time. The cost is a flat rate of £1.50 per mile and £1.8 per mile after that.
Car
You can rent cars across the city with various services such as Hertz, Avis, and and Keddy. Small cars can be rented for £57.33 for three days.
The Cost of Living in Nottingham
Shopping Streets
Check out the popular Hockley, with its quirky stores, Victoria Centre, with the usual high street stores, and the Exchange Arcade for more one-of-a-kind finds.
Groceries and Other
The cost of groceries in Nottingham is standard for the UK. 1 quart of milk costs around £0.94 while a dozen eggs will run you £1.58.